The research
- Why you should trust us
- How we picked and tested
- Matryoshka-doll style: LumiSource Tray Nesting Ottoman Set
- Simply wood: IKEA Perjohan
- Pretty patterns: Target Threshold Lynwood Storage Bench
- Function and finesse: Form & Refine A Line Storage Bench
- Plush and playful: Article Rolph Storage Bench
- A compact pouf: Crate & Kids Wally Nursery Storage Ottoman
- A modern classic: West Elm Mid-Century Storage Bench
- Soft and sleek: Article Maribo Storage Ottoman
- The competition
Why you should trust us
I’m a Wirecutter staff writer covering home and decor, and I specialize in solutions for small homes. I’ve extensively interviewed designers and organization specialists who’ve worked on small homes, and I have written about tiny bedrooms, small bathrooms, and minute entryways, among other relevant topics. I also have spent my entire adult life living in small apartments across Washington, DC, New York, and Los Angeles.
For many years, at the foot of the bed I used a storage bench that I’d inherited from my mother, who bought it in the 1960s for her college dorm. (That storage bench now lives in my sister’s studio in Boston, storing art supplies). I’ve been on the quest for its replacement ever since.
Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards.
How we picked and tested
There are endless storage benches available from dozens of companies, and they employ different lid types and materials, as well as very different aesthetics. I aimed to provide a representational mix, keeping an eye toward quality, value, and design. I also researched how people would commonly use their storage benches — where they’d place them, what they’d put inside.
After compiling my list of potential benches to address these needs, I called in 17 to test. My testers and I evaluated them on the following criteria:
Ease of use: We assessed how much effort it took to open and close each bench, whether we needed to use one or two hands, and how seamless it was to take things in and out.
Quality control: I kept an eye out for any material defects, weak points, or imperfections in each bench’s finish. Sometimes this involved crawling under and around a bench to get a look from every angle.
Simple assembly: For any storage bench that required assembly, I followed the enclosed instructions and recorded how easy or difficult that process was (and I noted, where relevant, which benches posed a threat of splinters).
Comfort: My testers and I sat on the benches to assess their comfort levels, and we considered the feel of the upholstery or the softness of the cushioning. We also listened for any squeaking or other sounds.
Matryoshka-doll style: LumiSource Tray Nesting Ottoman Set
Top pick
Why it’s great
What can’t this set do? The LumiSource Tray Nesting Ottoman Set includes two ottomans, and each one has a double-sided top that can work as a cushy seat or a sturdy serving tray — genius! You can store smaller blankets in the littler ottoman and then place it into the larger ottoman. You can pull them apart to create two extra (but somewhat firm) seats for guests or extra end tables for entertaining. You can even use one as a bedside table. This set was a favorite among our testers, who came up with nearly endless uses for the ottomans.
These ottomans tuck away nicely. Thanks to their cylindrical shape and nesting capability, these ottomans can be tucked into a corner, or if you roll them onto their sides, you can sneak them under a tall bed.
They’re sturdy. When we used these ottomans as seats, we didn’t notice any wobbling. And their trays fit firmly, so beverages rest securely (though you may need coasters for the wooden surface).
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Tracking down this set might be confusing. You may see this set branded and named differently, depending on where you buy it. However, the manufacturer, LumiSource, confirmed that the various names indeed refer to the same product. Urban Outfitters used to sell it as the Lea (no longer available), and Wayfair sells it as the Alvena.
These ottomans can’t store that much. This set is a little pricey, considering the diminutive size of each ottoman. You won’t be able to store as much in them as you could in our other recommendations.
Key specs
Dimensions: 13.75 by 15 inches (diameter by height; small ottoman), 15.5 by 17.5 inches (diameter by height; large ottoman)
Colors/finishes: orange, dark gray, light gray, cream, blue, tan, dark brown
Materials: polyester, foam, wood
Weight limit: 250 pounds
Return policy and warranty: The return policy varies by retailer; this set has a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Simply wood: IKEA Perjohan
Top pick
Why it’s great
It’s narrow, but it still holds the essentials. Especially for narrow entryways, the sturdy IKEA Perjohan is a lifesaver — it’s diminutive, yet offers just enough storage for everyday items. Editor Katie Okamoto has used it in her Los Angeles apartment for over two years. Katie sits on it while she’s pulling on her shoes, and she uses it to hold her purse and tote bag. It may be tempting to use this bench as a stepladder, but IKEA does not recommend doing this, despite the bench’s 243-pound weight limit.
Paint it as you like. This bench comes with unfinished wood, which opens it up to a world of styling possibilities: You can paint it any color you choose, or stain it any shade. For more ambitious projects, search “IKEA Perjohan DIY”; this will turn up dozens of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok videos of people doing everything from a buffalo plaid stain to painted flower fields.
What a price! At well under a hundred dollars, this bench is one of the most affordable models we found, and it seems of much higher quality than the price would suggest. The solid pine is thick, and the bench feels very sturdy once it’s built.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
You might get a splinter. The IKEA Perjohan wasn’t difficult to assemble, but one of my editors, who generously helped me build it, did get a splinter from the unfinished wood. If you use a drill to fasten the screws, be careful of over-tightening them because the wood can split.
The screws aren’t hidden. However, they are flush against the sides of this bench. Even so, between this and the unfinished wood, some people may find that this bench as a whole feels incomplete or too casual.
Key specs
Dimensions: 17.75 by 39.4 by 11 inches (height by length by overall depth)
Colors/finishes: natural pine
Materials: solid pine
Weight limit: 243 pounds
Return policy and warranty: You have 365 days to return the bench for a full refund, if it’s unopened, and you have 180 days if it is opened; there’s no warranty.
Pretty patterns: Target Threshold Lynwood Storage Bench
Top pick
Why it’s great
The lid lifts with little effort. The Target Threshold Lynwood Storage Bench’s hinged top can be opened with one hand; you just pull up on the braided-rope handle. And the lid stays up after you lift it, at roughly 45 degrees, so you can take things in and out without having to hold it open.
It looks much pricier than it is. We saw lots of budget benches whose looks matched their prices. But this boxy pick evokes a classic storage trunk, and it comes in a few modern patterns and stylish neutrals. It won’t immediately give itself away as a budget purchase.
It’s capacious. With the largest interior space of our picks, this bench can easily handle throw pillows and a duvet, or several winter blankets. It’s also a bit taller than our other recommendations (19.5 inches, compared with the 17 to 18.5 inches for our other picks), so it’s easier to sit on and get up from.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The lines don’t align. This didn’t bother me, but some of our testers were annoyed that the Threshold Lynwood bench’s windowpane pattern didn’t perfectly line up on the lid and the base.
The handle is cheap-looking. We were not all fans of the braided-rope handle. Some testers thought it looked nautical, and I thought it wasn’t the most thoughtfully finished.
Key specs
Dimensions: 19.5 by 38 by 18.9 inches (height by length by depth)
Colors/finishes: cream/black windowpane, navy stripe, tan stripe, brown
Materials: plywood frame; polyester fabric
Weight limit: 250 pounds
Return policy and warranty: You have a year to return this bench, with a receipt; there’s a one-year limited warranty.
Function and finesse: Form & Refine A Line Storage Bench
Top pick
Why it’s great
Look how handsome! With its hardwood construction, elegant lines, and subtle grooves, the Form & Refine A Line Storage Bench is a work of fine craftsmanship. It’s sold at various retailers (we got ours from Teak NYC, which came fully assembled) but options can vary depending on where you buy yours. It’s usually available in two lengths and three different finishes.
It opens wide. Unlike many of the other hinge-top benches we tested (which open only 45 to 70 degrees), this one can extend to a full 90 degrees — either by folding the top up, accordion-style (using its small leather handle) or extending it fully. That means that it’s easier to see into and rummage through.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It’s the priciest recommendation we have. The Form & Refine A Line bench is roughly two to three times the price of some of our other picks. But we think due to this bench’s almost entirely solid-wood construction (the bottom panel is veneered MDF), it’s still a great price for a really well-made bench. We’d prefer the bottom slat to also be solid wood, but the company told us this was an intentional change that makes the bench sturdier; we plan to keep an eye on this during long-term testing.
The top doesn’t have a smooth sitting surface. Even though the pliant leather handle folds down, it still sticks up a little in the middle, and it can feel uncomfortable when you’re sitting on the bench.
Key specs
Dimensions: 17.7 by 26.8 by 13.8 inches (height by length by depth; small bench)
Colors/finishes: oak, white oak, black stained oak
Materials: solid wood, veneer MDF (bottom slat only), leather (handle)
Weight limit: 441 pounds (small bench)
Return policy and warranty: The return policy varies by retailer; there’s a five-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Plush and playful: Article Rolph Storage Bench
Top pick
Why it’s great
The hinged lid opens with one hand. The lid on the Article Rolph Storage Bench stays propped at roughly 45 degrees. So you can conveniently rummage inside the bench (though you’ll have an easier time stashing and grabbing your stuff from benches with lids that open wider, like our picks from Form & Refine and Article).
It’s ultra-plush to sit on. Thanks to its padded top and sides, as well as its rounded edges, this bench is incredibly comfortable to sit on (and for someone who’s a bit clumsy, it’s also bruise-proof).
Flaws but not dealbreaker
The velvet fabric needs brushing. Like a lot of items that use velvet material, the Article Rolph will show textural evidence (read: butt marks) after someone sits on it or handles it. But the fabric is easy enough to smooth down by wiping your hands across it. And this won’t be an issue if you opt for the non-velvet fabric.
Key specs
Dimensions: 18.5 by 55.5 by 19 inches (height by length by depth)
Colors/finishes: green velvet, rust velvet, sand ivory fabric
Materials: 100% polyester velvet or fabric upholstery; foam and polyester fiber filling; engineered wood frame
Weight limit: 300 pounds
Return policy and warranty: You can return it within 30 days for a full refund or an exchange; there’s a one-year warranty limited to defects.
A compact pouf: Crate & Kids Wally Nursery Storage Ottoman
Top pick
It’s small but mighty. Just under 2 feet in diameter, the Crate & Kids Wally Nursery Storage Ottoman takes up little space. But due to its efficient construction, there’s ample room for storing several blankets or children’s toys.
It’s cozy. This ottoman is probably too small and too low to be used for regular seating, but in a pinch, the padded top is pretty comfortable. Most reviews mention using it as a footrest in front of a rocking chair or couch. (Crate & Kids also sells a matching glider.)
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It’s a heavy lift. Many of our testers found the Wally Nursery Storage Ottoman’s lid difficult to open. And even I, who dutifully lifts weights three times a week, needed to use two hands. Also, the lid fits so snugly into the base that it also takes some oomph to loosen it. One of our staffers, who’s had this ottoman in the leather finish for over three years, said that over time the tightness eases, and she can now lift hers with one hand (but she still needs two hands to steadily lower it).
It may show wear and tear, depending on the finish. The staffer who’s used the Wally ottoman in a leather finish since 2022 still likes it, but she reports that over time, small scratches have appeared that can’t be easily buffed out.
Key specs
Dimensions: 21 by 17 inches (diameter by height)
Colors/finishes: ivory bouclé, beige fabric, brown synthetic leather (availability varies)
Materials: wood frame, polyester fill, polyester upholstery
Weight limit: not listed (mainly used as a footrest)
Return policy and warranty: You can return this model for a full refund, or exchange it within 30 days of receipt with a valid proof of purchase (shipping fees will not be refunded.); a case-by-case guarantee.
A modern classic: West Elm Mid-Century Storage Bench
Top pick
Why it’s great
Nothing gets buried. Setting itself apart from our hinge- and lift-top storage benches, the slim West Elm Mid-Century Storage Bench has sliding doors. So it’s perfect for stacking items like board games or throw blankets, since you can see everything at a glance. And there’s a slim wall dividing the interior into two cubbies, to prevent anything from getting lost in the middle (this does mean that you can’t store anything that’s really long).
It’s versatile. Even though it’s listed as a “storage bench,” this model could easily double as a low console or as extra storage for library books or to place mail on top. The doors slide open smoothly, and it sits firmly on the ground.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It’s not an inviting seat. Lacking any padding on top, the West Elm bench is not a comfortable option for spillover seating in a small apartment. It’s better suited to short sitting stints, like when you’re pulling on your shoes.
Unboxing and assembling is a schlep. With this bench, assembly was a bit more involved than we’d expect from a non-IKEA pick, and the instructions could have been more straightforward. (White-glove delivery is available, for an additional cost).
You can face it in one direction only. The back of this bench looks more unfinished, so you can’t leave it exposed like you can with our other picks.
Key specs
Dimensions: 18.5 by 42 by 15.75 inches (height by width by depth; small bench)
Colors/finishes: acorn
Materials: solid eucalyptus wood and engineered wood with an acacia wood veneer
Weight limit: 300 pounds
Return policy and warranty: You can return this bench within 30 days, with proof of purchase. There is no listed warranty. (But West Elm told us it will review any product defects within a year of purchase.)
Soft and sleek: Article Maribo Storage Ottoman
Top pick
Why it’s great
You can grab and go. We tested Article Maribo Storage Ottoman in large, and, like the medium version, it has a hinged top (the small version has a lightweight lift-off top). We found it was a breeze to get into, even using just one hand. More generous than some of the other hinge-top benches we tested, this bench props open to 70 degrees (instead of the more-common 45 degrees), so it’s easier to see and access what’s inside. Despite that hinged lid, the bench sits flush against a wall, even when it’s open.
It comes in several sizes. This bench is available in three lengths: a nearly perfect 19-inch cube, a 32-inch medium option, and a large, 48-inch option, so there’s a lot of room for creativity. It would look great used in place of a coffee table in a living room, placed at the foot of a bed, situated under a bedroom window, or used as an ottoman by a couch.
We can vouch for its longevity. This bench has been used as a prop in our photo studio for several years, and it hasn’t pilled or stained, even though it’s been sat on and moved around regularly. One of our other staffers has had the cube-size version of this bench in her home for a little over a year, and she reports that it’s doing just fine; she vacuums it occasionally, when she vacuums her couch.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The bouclé will need some upkeep. With the Article Maribo bench, if you choose the bouclé upholstery (like the one we tested), it will require occasional vacuuming, since dust can more easily settle between the fabric’s nubs (though no major stains have appeared on our testing model).
Key specs
Dimensions: 18.5 by 48 by 15.5 inches (height by length by depth; large bench)
Colors/finishes: tan leather, ivory bouclé, green felt, sandstone bouclé
Materials: solid pine, engineered wood frame; foam filling; upholstery varies by material
Weight limit: not listed
Return policy and warranty: You can return this bench within 30 days for a refund or exchange. There is a one-year warranty limited to defects.
The competition
The All Modern Williams 59″ Storage Bench has drawers, so it’s ideal for storing underwear, bras, socks, or workout clothes (and this bench is especially useful if your bedroom is too small to accommodate a dresser, as mine is). However, when it arrived it smelled very strongly of chemicals, and that smell remained for several weeks. And the drawers only pull out three-quarters of the way, so it is hard to see anything stored toward the back.
We appreciated that the IKEA Förlunda pouffe was light and stackable, as well as nicely priced, but we wish it were of better quality. It would look at home in a children’s playroom, concealing toys, or as an ottoman for a very certain type of modern living room.
With its pretty rattan weave, the IKEA Tolkning bench is great for someone looking for affordable, bohemian, beachy furniture. But when it came to closing the lid, it was hard to get it to line up with the base. And lifting the lid took both hands, another irksome situation if you just want to take something out quickly. The finish was also a bit cheap, and the rattan could get caught on clothing or throws.
There is nothing wrong with the IKEA Valtorp; if you like the look, you’ll probably be quite happy with it. The lid opens via a hinge, and it stays open as well, at a 45-degree angle. But we thought the finishes looked a little sloppy, especially the inside lining. And building this bench was more difficult than building the other IKEA pieces we tried. With the Valtorp, I had to enlist the help of colleague Evan Dent, who happened to be working next to me while I struggled to build this bench. (I owe you a coffee, Evan, thank you.)
Many testers loved the Nofred Cube Long Storage Box; this is a beautiful piece of birch plywood furniture at a very reasonable price. And you can order optional wheels to make it mobile (one of the wheels is lockable). We originally thought it would make a great toy chest. However, after just a few days of testing, some edges of the wood had already started to chip. We had to lean in close to notice those details, but the chipping doesn’t bode well for the bench’s long-term durability.
Sabai’s The Essential Storage Bench is incredibly customizable, with your choice of several upholstery colors and fabrics, as well as leg shapes and finishes. The velvet one we ordered was comfortable to sit on, and it looked elegant, but it left a noticeable imprint when we sat on it. It was also annoying to get into: The wide, heavy top requires two hands to lift it, and you have to carefully lower it to align with the base. However, if you plan to use your storage bench for things you don’t need to access often, this bench may be an excellent choice.
With its woven water hyacinth material and acacia wood feet, the Target Casafield 17″ Round Storage Ottoman with Lid has a beachy look. But it felt a bit scratchy to sit on.
The Target Threshold Havenstone Pill-Shaped Storage Bench was a decent dupe for our similarly shaped, similarly boucle-d pick from Article. But looking closer, you can see that the polyester fabric of the Havenstone is glossy in an obviously synthetic way, and its lid lifts off rather than hinges, making it a nuisance to open.
The Target Threshold Tufted Round Storage Ottoman is not particularly comfortable or beautiful, nor is it uncomfortable or unattractive. The lid was a little hard to fit evenly onto the base. But if you like the look of it, and you need an ottoman only for storing a few items (it could fit a few light blankets or a throw pillow), this is a serviceable option.
This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Joanne Chen
